Viet Nam News HÀ NỘI — The outcomes of Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc’s three-day official visit to Russia from Monday are believed to have created new momentum for a comprehensive strategic partnership between Việt Nam and Russia.

The visit, which was made at the invitation of the Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev, is the first trip abroad for Phúc as the Vietnamese Prime Minister.

During his stay in Russia, the Government leader had a hectic schedule during which he held talks with Prime Minister Medvedev, where he said the selection of Russia for his first foreign trip demonstrated Việt Nam’s trust in the country as well as its wish to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership.

PM Medvedev affirmed that Russia always considers Việt Nam one of the country’s leading partners in the Asia-Pacific.

Host and guest reaffirmed their resolve to enhance mutual political trust and a comprehensive strategic partnership. They also compared notes on various measures to beef up bilateral ties and to meet the long-term interests of the two countries’ people.

The two sides consented to step up their collaboration in energy while expanding their affiliation in other areas like petrochemistry and liquefied gas, while also targeting third countries to become involved.

They will also continue partnerships in national defence and security, especially in military technology.

Phúc also had a meeting yesterday with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss major issues of shared concern and chart orientations for bilateral co-operation.

The Vietnamese PM also visited Russia’s leading oil and gas groups Gazprom and Zarubezhnef, where he pledged optimal conditions for sustainable, long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

“The Vietnamese Government will create the best possible conditions for foreign businesses, including those from Russia, and will continue to remove obstacles hindering their operation,” he said.

ASEAN-Russia

The ASEAN-Russia business forum took place in Sochi, Russia, yesterday on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit marking the 20th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

The event consisted of three panel discussions titled, “Towards a new ASEAN – Russia economic partnership: essential tools, mechanisms and drivers of growth”, “Russia’s export potential: implementing strategic priorities of ASEAN member states” and, “ASEAN-Russia partnership in the new integration architecture of the Asia-Pacific Region: opportunities for businesses.”

The forum aimed to discuss barriers to bilateral trade, each other’s requirements and seek the possibility of partnering with the Eurasian Economic Community, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and ASEAN to further boost bilateral trade and investment.

It provided a venue for business people, politicians and experts to speak about economic and investment matters as well as technological co-operation.

Meanwhile, culture and arts ministers and officials from ASEAN nations and the Russian Federation identified priorities in cultural co-operation between the two sides during their first meeting in Sochi yesterday.

The event was held as part of the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit.